La Belle Via panoramic: 5 days between Vercors and Chartreuse
Explore the spectacular landscapes of the Vercors and Chartreuse on a cycling tour through Isère.
Part of the larger La Belle Via network, this five‑day, 328‑km self‑guided tour links Grenoble, the Saint‑Marcellin region and the Pays Voironnais, taking in historic heritage, charming villages and breathtaking views. It connects via greenways and scenic roads, blending 4,000 m of elevation with lush valleys, rolling hills and quiet lanes. Riders pass medieval gems like Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye and end at Lake Paladru’s turquoise shores, all while soaking in panoramic views of the Valdaine plain and Chartreuse ridges.
A journey into the heart of Isère, between mountains and valleys
Picture yourself setting out from Grenoble, the capital of the Alps, to trace La Belle Via alongside the river – a greenway that winds its way through walnut groves and picturesque villages. With each turn of the pedals, the scenery changes: the rugged peaks of the Vercors rise up on the left, while the majestic peaks of the Chartreuse loom on the right. The scent of woodland, the cool rush of rivers, the gentle hush of country lanes – everything invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
This is more than a cycling route: it’s an open invitation to journey back through time in unspoilt medieval villages, plunge into the glittering waters of Lake Paladru, indulge in local flavours and pause for a breather to take in sweeping panoramas. With its rich heritage, magnificent landscapes, and warm hospitality, these five days on two wheels promise more than just a journey – they offer an enchanting escape into the heart of Isère.
Key figures
The Belle Via Panoramic Route
- Start and finish: Grenoble (loop route)
- Duration: 5 days
- Distance: 328 km
- Elevation gain: 4,000 m
- Route type: a mix of cycle paths along La Belle Via and small, undulating roads
Your day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
From Grenoble to Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier: a good warm-up
From Grenoble, start off gently on La Belle Via, along the River Isère. Walnut orchards stretch out before you, framed by the Chartreuse and Vercors mountain ranges.
In Vinay, immerse yourself in the culinary history of walnuts at the Grand Séchoir. Depending on your mood, carry on to the Couvent des Carmes or the mysterious Grottes de Thaïs. Between pedal strokes, let yourself be enchanted by the poetry of the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes in La Sône.
- 3 hrs 30 mins
- 66.7 km
- +340 m ascent
Day 2
From Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier to La Côte-Saint-André: a journey through time
The abbey church of Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye comes into view as you descend along a scenic route. After a moment to soak up the timeless atmosphere, head towards Roybon and its ponds, then on to the Chambaran Forest.
You’ll eventually arrive at La-Côte-Saint-André, the birthplace of composer Hector Berlioz, where the medieval market hall and the Château Louis XI await.
- 4 hrs 50 mins
- 78 km
- +1,240 m ascent (and 1,050 m descent)
Day 3
From La Côte-Saint-André to Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère: heading for the country roads
Start off gently in the heart of the Isère countryside, among fields, woods and hamlets.
Stop off at the Grand Lemps peatland for a chance to immerse yourself in nature, then climb up to the Col de Lachard for views over the valley.
The descent towards Vinay completes the loop before rejoining La Belle Via towards Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère.
- 4 hrs 10 mins
- 70.3 km
- + 880 m ascent (and 1,080 m descent)
Day 4
From Saint-Quentin-sur-Isère to the Villages du Lac de Paladru: a trip on the water!
Head for Lake Paladru, France’s fifth-largest natural glacial lake. Passing through Moirans and its medieval ruins, climb gradually through farmland and orchards.
In Charavines, take a dip in the blue waters, visit the archaeological museum and, if you feel like it, carry on to the Grange Dimière.
- 2 hrs 30mins
- 39 km
- + 560 m ascent (and 250 m descent)
Day 5
From the Villages of Lake Paladru to Grenoble: the final stretch!
Head for Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine, a site of outstanding heritage, and its castles. Continue uphill to Lake Saint-Sixte, where you can take a break by the water’s edge.
After crossing the Col de La Placette, head down towards Voreppe and rejoin La Belle Via to return to Grenoble, your heart filled with memories of valleys, lakes and mountain ranges.
- 4 hrs 20 mins
- 73.9 km
- + 990 m ascent (and 1,260 m descent)
